Curse of the Love Stone

By Ameena Mayer

Eighteen-year-old Princess Pralla stopped believing in love after her father turned her mother into a statue. Because of a sorcerer's curse, the queens from Pralla's royal house turn to stone unless they find spouses who love them. When Pralla becomes queen, she is desperate to break the curse. But to do this, she must fall in love with the sorcerer's ruthless son.

 

A witch claims Pralla can end the curse with magic hidden in the penal realm of Nor. Two criminals, a charming centaur and a gorgeous rake, Felcro, guide Pralla and her flirty handmaid through the dangerous realm. Pralla falls hard for Felcro. But when his dark secret comes out, she learns she could be the curse's next victim if she stays with him.

 

With tons of laughs and unforgettable characters, Curse of the Love Stone is a magical adventure centering on a young woman's courage and determination.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ameena Mayer
• Release date: Nov 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223386186

Ameena Mayer

Ameena Mayer has a Masters in English Literature and is a college English teacher in Vancouver, British Columbia. She has always had a passion for stories and their ability to transform and heal. When she isn't writing science fiction and fantasy novels, she enjoys singing covers of classic rock song, watching rom-coms, and spending time with the gorgeous trees in her neighbourhood. She hopes your day is filled with magic.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

I ’m not going to die tomorrow, so don’t look so worried. Yorlan loves me. Asha’s gold eyes were glazed over as we lounged in the palace’s tea room. She shot up from her velvet chair and strutted across the royal blue rug to a table laden with cookies. Given the amount of happiness plants she’d smoked this morning, I was surprised she could walk in a straight line.

I focused on my breathing and waited for my pulse to slow, but it wouldn’t. It was hard to stop worrying when my twin sister, my other half, might soon turn to stone. That’s what Mom said about Dad right before their Love Stone Ceremony. The next thing I knew, she was a statue crumbling to the palace floor. I gazed at the candles beside me, as if their flames could burn away the memory. I didn’t want to make my sister anxious. This was one of the first times I’d seen her relaxed since she’d become queen of our realm six months ago. I wished I could save her and future queens from the curse that condemned them to turn to stone if their spouses didn’t love them, but that would happen only in a fairy tale.

Asha grabbed a cookie, strolled back to the chair beside me, and plopped down. You ought to have more faith in people, Pralla. Haven’t you seen the way Yorlan dotes on me? She fingered a necklace of rubies circling her ebony neck. He’s the most thoughtful man in Omra. This is the third necklace he’s given me in a month. She fiddled with the diamond brooch pinned to her black silk dress. And today, he gave me this treasure.

I scoffed. Just because a man buys you stuff doesn’t mean he loves you. Dad used to buy Mom expensive things all the time, even while he was cheating on her with another woman. I aimed a fierce puff of breath at a candle, and though its flame vanished, my anger didn’t. It had been ten years since my father had killed my mother with his lies, but the memory of her turning to stone was lodged in my mind like a knife. With Asha’s ceremony so close at hand, its blade was sharper than ever.

Her brow wrinkled. What’s wrong with you? You’ve always supported my relationship with Yorlan. He doesn’t just buy me stuff. He listens when I have a problem and always encourages me when I’m hard on myself. And every night, no matter how tired he is, he gives me a foot rub. He wouldn’t do all this if he didn’t love me.

Before today, I hadn’t allowed myself to question Yorlan’s feelings for her. I took slow, easy breaths as I recalled the many times he’d shown her how much he cared. And I’d never caught him looking at another woman. He wasn’t my father. You’re right. I’ve pushed your Love Stone Ceremony out of my mind these past months, and now that it’s staring me in the face, I’m freaking out. But I shouldn’t.

This conversation is getting too serious. Today, I just want to have fun.

I quirked an eyebrow as she finished off her seventh biscuit.

Boy, happiness plants sure give me the munchies, she said.

I broke into a smile, as I usually did when I was around her.

The ivory door swung open, and a handmaiden rushed in, the skirt of her white cotton dress rustling. Princess Pralla, a suitor has come to see you. He’ll be in shortly. She curtsied and walked out.

Asha cracked a devilish grin. Let the games begin.

This time, we have to try harder to turn the suitor off. The last one bored me to death on our second date. I rose and picked up the bulky brown cloak crumpled beside my chair. After putting it on, I did up all the buttons to hide my figure. I pulled the hood over my face and tucked away my glossy purple tresses, which often caught men’s eyes. For the past two weeks, a different suitor had come to visit me around this time almost every day, and I’d made sure to prepare.

She rubbed her hands together. I’ll come up with something good. I’m getting bored of our usual routine.

Once I was seated, she brought over a tray of chocolate cookies and set them on my lap. I don’t get why Uncle Waldron keeps sending you suitors. She sank into her chair. He should’ve caught on by now that you’re perfectly happy being single.

You’re the only one in the palace who accepts me as I am. Everyone else thinks I’m crazy to not want a partner. I pursed my lips. Though there were nights when loneliness crushed me like an iron weight, my father’s betrayal of my mother had taught me to fear love.

She squeezed my shoulder. Of course I understand you. You know I’ll always support you, no matter what.

The handmaiden entered the room, followed by a stick-thin young man holding a bottle of brandy. His red hair was slicked against his head, and a sleazy smile hung off his face. His lime green shirt was unbuttoned halfway down his chest, which he kept stroking. I cringed inwardly. My uncle sure knew how to pick them.

Your Ducal Highness Nestor Zildra, here to see Princess Pralla. The handmaiden curtsied and rushed out of the room.

Nestor’s bulbous eyes danced over Asha, stopping at her cleavage for far too long. It’s an honour to be in the presence of such beauty. His nasal voice chafed my ears. He stooped into a lingering bow, straightened, and scratched his head, his gaze bouncing between us. I’m sorry, but I don’t know which one of you is Princess Pralla.

Asha and I exchanged amused glances. On more than one occasion, she’d pretended to be me when a suitor had arrived and had done a magnificent job of making him run out the door.

She nodded in my direction. She is. Her voice was merry. Please sit down. She gestured to a chair across from us, and he perched on the edge of it, his eyes straying to Asha before landing on me.

His lip curled as I stuffed half a cookie into my mouth and chomped it loudly, making sure crumbs fell onto my lap.

Princess Pralla, words can’t express how happy I am to meet you. Please accept this brandy as a gift. He set the bottle of golden liquid on the brass tea table between us.

I snatched it up, twisted off the lid, and guzzled it as if it were milk. He screwed up his face as I let out a loud belch.

You’ll have to excuse me, Nestor, I said. I suffer from terrible indigestion and burp often.

Asha smirked as he fidgeted with his hands.

That’s alright, he said. My sister has stomach problems too. He leaned forward, a rakish smile on his face. Princess, I hope you don’t mind me asking, but could you possibly take off your coat? I’d love to see your breasts. He covered his mouth, a flush creeping across his cheeks. I mean dress.

Asha snorted, but I kept my face stoic. It was time to make the fine duke squirm.

I’d love for you to see my . . . dress, but I’ve caught a bit of a cold, and I’m trying to keep warm.

I’m sorry you’re not feeling well, he said

I broke into a fit of fake coughs, aiming my breath directly at him. He squished back into the chair and turned his head to the side. After pulling a kerchief from his pocket, he scooted forward and extended it to me. May I?

Thank you kindly. I snatched the kerchief from him. As I blew my nose into the cloth for a long while, Nestor grimaced and Asha put a hand over her mouth, no doubt to suppress giggles.

When I held the cloth out to him, his eyebrows flew up.

Thanks, I said. My nasal passages are clear.

He grabbed the top of the kerchief between two fingers, his nose wrinkling as he dropped it in the silver waste bin next to the tea table. He slumped in the chair and did up two buttons on his shirt. I tugged down the sleeves of my coat. Thank goodness my charade was working.

Tell me, Princess, what do you like to do in your spare time?

She loves to pray to Selvin, the goddess of virginity. Asha spoke with zeal.

The corner of my mouth quirked up. I couldn’t wait to find out where she was going with this. Oh, yes, I spend hours praying to her. I placed a hand on my chest.

He straightened. I love praying too. My favourite god is—

Asha held up her palms. Sister, I feel the goddess Selvin calling to us now. She dropped to her knees, closed her eyes, and clasped her hands in front of her.

I put down the tray of cookies and did the same. I feel it too, I said with mock wonder in my voice. Would you like to say the prayer?

Of course.

There were a few moments of silence. She must have been coming up with the perfect prayer.

Oh, wondrous goddess Selvin, you know how much my sister values her chastity, she said with reverence. Please protect her virginity. May it last a lifetime so she may see your face when she dies.

I suppressed a chuckle. Thunderbolts, was she ever good at this. When I opened my eyes, Nestor was gaping at us. As we got up and dropped into our seats, he did up the rest of the buttons on his shirt.

Princess, do you intend to remain a virgin for the rest of your life?

I pasted a serene smile on my face. Oh, yes. You’re okay with having a chaste marriage, right?

He shot up. Any man would be lucky to have you, Princess. Unfortunately, I don’t think we’re a match. After giving us both a quick bow, he scurried out of the room.

Asha and I jumped up and giggled. I threw off my cloak and flung my arms around her. That prayer was genius.

She pulled away from me and rolled her eyes. We had to get rid of that one fast. Her bubbly laughter washed over me like sunlight. Let’s go for a walk in the gardens to celebrate our victory. She strolled to the door. And next time, let’s start with the prayer. You probably won’t even have to wear the cloak.

There was a lightness in my limbs as I followed her out of the room. Yes, next time.

CHAPTER TWO

Asha stared into her heart-shaped mirror, her eyes dull. I don’t know what necklace to wear.

My stomach churned as I placed a crown decorated with amethysts on her head. How about your strand of pearls?

She pulled the pearls from her vanity’s drawer and fastened them around her neck. Thanks. This is perfect. She shot me a strained smile. After taking out a diamond ring, she slid it onto my finger. This will match your silver dress.

I know you’re worried about what’ll happen at the ceremony today. You always try to be so strong, but you don’t have to do that right now.

She settled her crown and then dropped her arms to her sides, a tear trickling down her ebony cheek.

I wiped it away. You’re just as scared as I am, aren’t you? Though she’d distracted me from my fears yesterday, the nightmare I’d endured last night had brought them back with a vengeance. I dreamt she turned into a statue, and Yorlan was pointing a finger at her and laughing, as if she’d been a fool to have ever believed he loved her. Then he picked up an axe and smashed her to pieces. I woke up screaming, and when I passed him in the hallway this morning, I couldn’t return his smile.

Asha threw her arms around me. I’m terrified. Her voice was as fragile as egg shells. The happiness plants I smoked yesterday took my worries away, but now they’re back full swing. What if Yorlan married me for power instead of love? What if I do end up like Mom? She pulled away from me, her chin trembling. Do you think it hurts to have your flesh become stone?

I led her to the bed, and we sat across from each other on a pink duvet. I wished she could skip the bloody ceremony, but if she did, she’d turn to stone anyway. I don’t think you’d feel anything. And you were probably right yesterday when you said Yorlan loves you. Some queens have survived their ceremonies.

I rubbed her arm in nervous strokes.  I was trying to comfort myself as much as her. The curse required her to have a spouse and complete the ceremony within six months of her coronation. My father and stepmother, the former king and queen of Omra, had died in an accident half a year ago, forcing Asha to find a husband fast. She’d met Yorlan just five months ago, and if she died, he’d remain king. I prayed he hadn’t married her for a lifetime of wealth and power. Asha would live only if the love stone detected true love for her in Yorlan’s heart. I wished she hadn’t come out of my mother’s womb before me. Then I’d be the one enduring a Love Stone Ceremony, and she wouldn’t have to face death, at least not today. 

The door swung open, and Asha’s handmaiden Sashima scurried in, her blue hair tied in a bun, her slim figure adorned in a simple cotton dress. It’s time, Your Majesty.

Asha’s brow creased. I yanked off my bracelet and slipped it onto her wrist. Mom gave this to me. I’ve always believed it brings good luck.

I sure need it right now. She swept a finger over the heart engraved in the silver.

We slid off the bed, and I squeezed her tight, my muscles tensing at the thought that this might be our last hug.

Sashima cleared her throat. Your Majesty?

I pulled away from Asha, and a wave of nausea rolled through me. The large box in Sashima’s hands contained the same love stone my father had held just before my mother had died.

Let’s get this over with. Asha smoothed her red velvet gown.

I was weak in the knees as I followed her and Sashima down the spiraling gold staircase. After Sashima opened an ivory door, we entered the hall, its white marble walls decorated with garlands of purple and orange flowers, the colours of the royal House of Epro. The room resounded with the enthusiastic chatter of the Omran nobility, a vibrant sea of velvet robes, silk gowns, and jewels twinkling beneath the candle chandeliers that hung from the ceiling.

I rolled my neck. All this, combined with the scent of rose and mint wafting from the crowd, was too pleasant given the grim ceremony about to take place. My aunts, uncles, and cousins shuffled in, clothed in dark-hued finery, their faces grave. Soon, everyone quieted down and reclined on oak chairs with gold trim, their eyes on Asha. Sashima pulled a large jade stone from the box and almost dropped it as she passed it to her.

The eager faces of the nobility blurred in front of me as I adjusted my tiara. A smile trembled over Asha’s lips when Yorlan entered the hall, clad in an emerald robe. He rushed toward her, reached up, and weaved his hands through her long purple hair. As he gave her a passionate kiss, people clapped and cheered, but my fingernails bit into my palms. Ten years ago, my father and birth mother had been forced to take the throne after a dragon had gobbled up her sister Queen Illara and her king. Right before my parents’ Love Stone Ceremony, my eight-year-old eyes had witnessed my father kissing my mother with the same passion Yorlan was showing Asha.

I dragged my feet to an oak podium, trying to keep my spine straight. Though my speech was simple, the words were stuck in my throat. I took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. I had to appear confident before the nobility. After all, I was their princess. Welcome, fellow Omrans, I said in a loud, tense voice. In a few moments, the Love Stone Ceremony will commence. According to the curse set upon all Omran queens from the House of Epro, King Yorlan will hold the stone, and if it lights up, it means his love for his wife is true. But if it doesn’t, his love for her is false, and then . . . There was a buzzing in my ears. And then my sister will die.

Yorlan breezed to the podium, his crown gleaming with orange gems. He donned a broad smile, which turned my insides to ice. How many times had my father pasted that smile on his face?

You’d better damn well love my sister, I whispered in his ear.

He gave me a sour look, and I shot arrows at him with my eyes as he flicked a blue lock over his shoulder. Don’t worry, Princess Pralla. No one’s going to die today. His voice was bloated with confidence. I’ve never loved anyone more than my queen. He placed a hand on his chest. I give everyone here my solemn promise that this is true.

There were cheers and applause as he strode to Asha, who held the stone to her chest.

I shuffled to her and rubbed her back, wishing I could find a way to postpone this moment. I wanted to tell her that whenever I looked at her, I felt like I was viewing a better version of myself. And I wanted to tell her that I was only half a person without her.

Yorlan opened his hands to her, and she held the stone above them. The palace was so silent that I could hear my short, shallow breaths. When she finally dropped the stone onto his palms, he stared at it with intense concentration, biting at his lips. My stomach twisted as I prayed for the stone to light up. But a few moments passed, and still, there was no glow. Asha shook uncontrollably, and shocked murmurs rolled through the crowd. I flung my arms around her as if I could shield her from the stone’s power.

Never forget how much I love you, she whispered in my ear.

I love you too, I whispered back, my eyes watering.

Come on, you stupid stone. Yorlan tapped his foot. Wake up and feel the love already.

The hall filled with nervous laughter as he gave everyone a goofy smile. Asha pulled away from me and glared at him. She shrieked as her feet turned to grey stone, the same feet that used to glide so gracefully with me during our dance lessons. The grey travelled up her gown, and I cringed as those strong arms that had embraced me moments ago hardened. When her face froze in an expression of horror, I yearned for someone to wake me up and tell me this was a nightmare. But it wasn’t. The statue that was once my sister crumbled to the floor in jagged pieces, my heart shattering with it.

Yorlan dropped the love stone, his face slack. For a moment, I was unable to move or breathe. Then, without thought, I threw myself at him and dug my nails into his puny shoulders as I shook him. You lying bastard! I towered above him, and with my full figure, I was twice his size.

But he managed to push me away, his gold eyes shadowed. I really cared for her. Perhaps—

I swung a fist at him, and he ducked just before I hit his head. You didn’t want Asha, I barked, baring my teeth. You wanted the throne. All you men are the same.

People wept, and some hurled insults at him. Liar! Murderer!

One woman shouted out a more disturbing statement. Down with the cursed House of Epro. It’s time for new leadership. The nobility stood up and roared in agreement, their fists in the air.

I wanted them to trample over him and rip his skinny body to shreds. A servant rushed up to us and placed the wretched stone in its box. Yorlan picked up a fragment of what had once been my sister, then set it on the podium. He slouched over it and wiped his eyes, his chin trembling. I was ready to bet all the jewels I owned that he wasn’t crying. 

I get why you’re angry. He clenched his jaw. But let me ask you this. How many of you know for certain that you genuinely love your spouses?

When everyone’s hands shot up, he scraped a hand through his hair.

I doubt you’re all being honest. People gave him dirty looks, and he cleared his throat. Yes, I wanted to be king. Who wouldn’t? But I also wanted Asha. I tried not to vomit when he sniffled loudly.

He couldn’t have truly loved my sister. Otherwise, I’d be staring at her smiling face right now, lit with an inner beauty that outshone the stars. Her bubbly laughter would be tickling my ears, and grief wouldn’t be gnawing at me with sharp fangs. I let out a scream loud enough to shatter the candle chandeliers. Get out, all of you, I yelled.

Listen to your princess, Yorlan said in a weary voice.

The nobility filed out of the hall, and my relations stared at me with pity and concern before leaving.

I mean everyone, I said to the servants and guards. As they rushed out, Yorlan inched toward me, but I spat at him, and he shuffled to the door. Sashima must have been standing behind me this whole time because she rushed to the remains of her queen and picked up a big chunk of rock. After running up behind him, she bashed him on the head with it. He collapsed onto the floor, blood oozing down his face. His eyes were shut and he was silent. I hoped the bastard was dead.

Sashima shook her head rapidly as if awakening from a trance. The rose she’d stuck in her hair tumbled down, its crimson petals scattering on the shiny white floor. She knelt beside him and checked his pulse. Thank the gods. He’s alive. I don’t know what came over me.

I was filled with a sinking feeling. I do.

She sprinted to the door. I’ll get the medical wizard. He’ll heal King Yorlan with a spell.

Don’t you dare. That’s an order. As I said the words, I didn’t recognize my voice.

She halted and faced me. But Your Highness—

My head, Yorlan groaned, his eyes fluttering open. What happened?

I stood over him, my arms crossed. Your lust for power killed my sister, and now you’re going to hell where the demons will feast on you.

I felt a pang of guilt as he writhed in pain, but part of me reveled at the sight of my sister’s murderer bleeding out. Sashima wrung her hands and shifted from foot to foot. After a short while, he let out a pained moan. When his eyes closed, I checked his pulse, and a pleasant tiredness overtook me. My sister’s death had been avenged.

The door creaked open, and Uncle Lenmor, clad in brown slacks and a black silk shirt, stepped in. I left my money pouch in here. His words were slurred, and he reeked of brandy. Have you— He gaped at Yorlan’s corpse and the rock beside it. Thunderbolts! What the hell happened? He clutched his stringy white hair.

My cheek twitched.  He was the head of the committee who investigated deaths at the palace. He couldn’t know the truth.

Yorlan was overcome with remorse over Asha’s death and smashed his head with the rock. I tried to keep my voice steady.

My uncle narrowed his bloodshot eyes.

It’s true, Sashima said in a high-pitched voice. He put on a brave face for the crowd, but after everyone left, his guilt got the better of him.

It’s more like your anger got the better of you. What’ll people think when they find out about this? He gave me a wicked smile.

Sashima and I exchanged nervous looks.

I’ll give you thirty gold coins if you tell everyone it was a suicide. I tried to hide the desperation in my voice. I couldn’t handle people thinking poorly of me. And though I wouldn’t end up in jail if the truth surfaced, Sashima would receive a life sentence.

He twiddled his pudgy fingers. Let’s make it sixty. Brandy is expensive.

I let out a rattling breath. Fine.

Excellent. If anyone asks me, it was a suicide. His throat bobbed as he gazed at my sister’s remains. I loved Asha and might’ve killed Yorlan myself had I been given the chance. He picked up a pouch from the floor and stuffed it in his pocket. I’ll get him out of here for you.

After he dragged Yorlan’s corpse from the room, Sashima gave me a quick curtsy and scurried out.

Now that I was alone, the loss of my sister pierced into me like spears. I curled up on the marble floor, my sister’s remains scattered beside me, and sobbed.

I didn’t know how long I stayed like this. It might have been a few moments. It might have been a long while. Then I felt a tap on my shoulder, and I looked up at my handmaiden Tarry, whose violet eyes brimmed with concern.

I can’t believe my sister is dead. My lips barely moved as I spoke. I extended a hand to her, and she grasped it.

Let me take you to your chamber.

I wiped my face, my anguish replaced with numbness. My heart